GFL exhibit reflects on Holden

Stephen Perkins' watercolor exhibit, "Reflections of Holden," is on display in GFL's Program Room through January 31. Stephen Perkins moved to Holden four years ago with his wife Donna after a lifetime spent in Shrewsbury and Worcester.

He was immediately impressed by his new surroundings, particularly the historic architecture that speaks to the town's heritage.

So when the longtime painter went looking for a project, he didn't have to go far for inspiration.

Perkins has produced 14 watercolors for an exhibit called "Reflections of Holden," which will be on display through January 31 in the Gale Free Library's Program Room. The display is a mix of landscapes and signature town structures captured by Perkins' brush.

Perkins, an electronics construction technician at Allegro Microsystems, has been drawing and painting for 25 years.

"I like to tell a story in my paintings; reflect on today's society, and have people be aware of their surroundings," he says.

"I draw every day," Perkins adds. "It's essential to have that base for the imagination and work out your subject matter. It's like playing piano. If you stick with it, you get better and better."

Perkins holds a degree in art history, has a library with more than 200 art books and has taken courses at Worcester Art Museum. He's so consumed by his passion for art that he estimates he watches only about two hours of television a week.

Perkins' next work is a mural for First Congregational Church focusing on the themes of worship and outreach.